Muslim LGB People

The social sciences has long been concerned with how human beings interact with, and make sense of, their social environments; indeed, social psychology seeks to integrate the societal and psychological levels of analysis and provides the tools for understanding how the social world, and the social changes inherent to it, can impact a person’s sense of identity and psychological wellbeing, as well as the individual’s response to change. Drawing upon the body of available social psychological evidence that has emerged in recent years, this entry focuses upon the identities, experiences and wellbeing of LGB Muslims. Much of this research has centered around gay/ bisexual Muslim men but some has also focused upon Muslim lesbians. This entry will provide (i) brief insights into the theological, legal and social representations of homosexuality in Islamic societies, (ii) empirical insights into the identities, experiences and wellbeing of LGB Muslims, and (iii) recommendations for further research, and policy and practice.